WOODLAND PARK, CO -- It was love at first sight. And Steve is 'having a ball.'

Among the unpredictable turn of events in the life of Steve Garufi, sources close to the internet personality claim he has started a romantic relationship with a tennis ball.

The two met last Sunday on the front lawn of Mike Dziezic's home in Woodland Park. Garufi apparently spotted the old, gray-colored tennis ball while walking outside with his camera, and was immediately intrigued. Shortly after, Steve's fascination quickly developed into love.

Asked about details on this so-called romantic partnership with an inert, lifeless object, Steve became reserved and only uttered, “Well, we do have something special going on.”

The tennis ball, which Dziezic said his “dogs had been chewing up and playing with all year,” had no comment, because it is an inanimate object. Thus, the tennis ball has neither self-awareness nor an ability to have thoughts or emotions.

During this past week, Steve has carried the tennis ball to work and has been seen throwing it against a staircase.

Some allege Steve’s hesitancy in discussing details about the relationship stem from the backlash of negative responses he has received.

Julie Taylor, an unwavering critic of Steve Garufi who is rumored to be creating a web site condemning SteveGarufi.com, was candid and straightforward in her denigration of Steve’s new relationship with a tennis ball.

“I think you’ve come to a very lonely place in your life, Steve. I think that’s so sad…you’re going to be the laughing stock of everyone!” said Taylor, unabashed.

Taylor’s comments prompted Steve to respond with a heated comeback later in the afternoon.

“Oh Julie is always getting upset about something. She hated the nerd article and mocked my non-farting lifestyle and now she’s against (this relationship). Well fine, at least she visits my site.” said Garufi.

Garufi’s new relationship with a tennis ball has elicited passionate responses from many in the SteveGarufi.com community.

“It kinda makes me wonder, Steve. Are you really having serious, hard times in your life?” asked Emma Hutchings, who loaned her 1968 VW Bug to Steve.

A Colorado Springs woman, who insisted on anonymity, practically cried out in a phone interview, “And you’re going to college to be a counselor(?)…you are severly sick!”

Willie Williams, a long-time friend of Steve Garufi who participated with Steve in the Rising Star Communications class titled Journey, was the only person in support of Steve’s courtship with a tennis ball.

“Oh yeah. (Tennis balls) are nice and fuzzy,” Williams said with encouragement, “Kissing a cactus can be very tough, but a tennis ball has a lot to offer." Williams claims he has hugged, smelled and kissed tennis balls in the past.